Chiefs stonewall Bombers

February 8, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


DAYTON, Oh. - The Johnstown Chiefs put the brakes on a brief two-game losing streak with a 2-1 win on Sunday evening in Dayton thanks to some timely scoring and great goaltending.

In a complete reverse of the previous night's contest, the Chiefs and Bombers had trouble finding the back of the net in the first period. In spite of being outshot by the Bombers nine to six in the first period, the Chiefs came the closest to putting the first goal on the board. In the early stages of the first, Toby LaFrance broke down the right wing and let loose a wrist shot that bounced off of the cross bar behind Dayton netminder Paul Drew.

The Chiefs saw Dayton take a 1-0 lead for the second straight game when Christian Gaudet wristed a shot past Ian Keserich on the glove side with 5:52 gone by in the second period. The goal was Gaudet's eighth of the season and second in as many nights against Johnstown. The Chiefs refused to let Dayton extend the lead, though, and Ryan Del Monte's 12th of the season put the Chiefs on the board and back in the game just 2:47 after Dayton took the lead. David Schulz took an off-balance wrist shot from the right point that Del Monte redirected past Drew. In his third game back with Johnstown, Andrew Sarauer added an assist for his first point since Dec. 5.

Dayton kept the pressure on offensively throughout the final period, and totaled 45 shots on goal for the game, but Keserich turned in a sparkling 44-save performance. Mike Bartlett's eighth goal of the season proved to be the game winner at 7:22 of the third. Jarrett Konkle fluttered a shot on net from the right wing, and as Bartlett crashed the net the rebound glanced off of him and in. Brett Beauchamp picked up the secondary assist for his first pro point. The Chiefs put themselves in a tough situation by taking two penalties 1:25 apart late in the third and giving the Bombers a 5-on-3 advantage. Keserich saved his best for last, though, and denied Greg Labenski and Tomas Zaborsky (the two who scored hat tricks on him last night) on the power play.

Keserich's 44-save effort earned his eighth win of the season while the Chiefs' power play went 0-for-3.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Friday, February 13 and will host the Reading Royals. That game will feature the Chiefs' "Lucky 13" tickets. Any seat in section 13, or any seat numbered 13, can be purchased for just $13. Good seats are available, but going quickly! Act fast and be sure to get your seat by calling 814-539-1799 or 814-536-5156.



ECHL Stories from February 8, 2009


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